Day of the Dead  

Skulls? Crossbones? Death? Yeah...We are celebrating Day of the Dead! Students will create pieces celebrating the history, art, and culture of the Day of the Dead. The idea behind it can be personal or just contain motifs common to the holiday. Research the idea behind the holiday and find ways to express this visually. Clue: this isn't about sadness but rather happiness for we are celebrating the lives of those that have left us. Chosen work will be submitted into the show at the Pirates Gallery.
Media: Charcoal, Graphite, Tempura, Acrylic, or Colored Pencil
Size: Smaller.
Description: Students will be creating pieces of artwork that are Day of the Day theme inspired but on materials that can be sold. They will be creating cards, bookmarks, and jewelry. Students will gain understanding of the art elements and principles of design by creating artwork that can be sold in a gallery. Students will learn that artwork is profitable and marketable.
Deadine: Period 5: Sept. 24th, 2010.
Writing Portion: Students will write two paragraphs on Day of Dead History and how their work relates to the celebration. First paragraph is about the history of the Day of the Dead and the second paragraph is about explaining their interpretation in their artwork about the holiday.
Critique: Group Critique. Students will present and discuss with members in their class about their artwork. They will also answer questions from classmates.


History of Day of Dead:
[[http://www.ddfolkart.com/articles/thedayofthedead.htm ]]
http://www.ddfolkart.com/articles/misconeptions.htm

Artwork of Day of Dead:
http://www.mexicansugarskull.com/
http://www.zazzle.com/day+of+the+dead+gifts
[[ http://ojinaga.com/deaders/| http://ojinaga.com/deaders/]]

Pieces Completed:

This piece contains common motifs associated with Day of Dead. The colors are symbolic of the feeling of the holiday. The heart is a symbol of the continual love and devotion the family has for their loved ones who passed.

The artist, Brittany Winters, created this piece showing the coming together of the souls. She described her piece as if it was a party and the dead have come back for this special time.

This piece by Brittany Miller is about her Aunt who died of leukemia. The background is blank because she said her aunt was an independent woman, strong and able to stand on her own. The petals falling are a symbol of her death.

This piece is about the artist's uncle who served in Afghanistan. This was an emotional piece for the student.

Rubric for Project: